Ohio Corn & Wheat

Ohio Corn & Wheat
AbbreviationOCW
Formation2011
TypeTrade association, Nonprofit organization
Legal status501(c)(5)
PurposeAdvocating for policies that support Ohio corn and wheat producers, including ethanol production, market stability, environmental regulations, and farmer mental health
HeadquartersDelaware, Ohio, United States
Location
  • 59 Greif Parkway, Suite 101 Delaware, Ohio 43015
MembershipNearly 2,000
Executive Director
Tadd Nicholson
Websiteohiocornandwheat.org

Ohio Corn & Wheat is a strategic alliance encompassing three distinct organizations (the Ohio Corn Checkoff, the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff, and the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association). The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is an agricultural trade organization representing corn and wheat producers in Ohio, advocating for policies that support ethanol production and market stability for grain farmers.[1] The association engages in policy advocacy on issues such as biofuel mandates, environmental regulations, and trade impacts affecting grain prices.[2] It collaborates with other agricultural groups to address mental health challenges in the farming community.[3] The organization provides data on corn usage, noting that approximately 40 percent of Ohio's corn is converted into ethanol.[4] It promotes higher ethanol blends like E15 for their benefits to rural economies and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.[5]

History

The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association has advocated for environmental protections, including supporting legislation in 2015 to limit fertilizer application on frozen or saturated fields to prevent algae blooms in Lake Erie.[2] In 2015, the association opposed Monsanto's proposed acquisition of Syngenta, citing concerns over reduced competition and potential price increases for agricultural inputs.[6] In 2019, the organization defended ethanol mandates against criticism from oil refineries, emphasizing job support and consumer choice in fuel options.[1] The association highlighted weather-related challenges in 2019, noting that concerns over smaller corn harvests led to higher bids from ethanol plants and livestock feeders.[7] In 2022, it promoted the expansion of unleaded 88 fuel, arguing for its cost savings and environmental advantages.[5] The organization stressed the critical role of ethanol in sustaining corn farmers' profitability amid economic pressures in 2022.[4] By 2024, the association joined initiatives to provide mental health resources for farmers, partnering in alliances to address stress and suicide risks in agriculture.[3] In 2025, it discussed the effects of trade wars on grain markets, noting that much of Ohio's corn is used domestically but influenced by international trade dynamics.[8] The association declined to comment in 2025 on proposals to ban high-fructose corn syrup, amid concerns over impacts on corn demand.[9]

Structure

The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association operates as a nonprofit trade association focused on policy advocacy for grain producers.[10] It maintains a political action committee to support candidates aligned with agricultural interests.[11] The organization includes board members who are active farmers contributing to policy discussions.[5]

Activities

The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association advocates for expanded ethanol use, defending mandates that support thousands of jobs and provide fuel choices for consumers.[1] It promotes biofuels as essential to farmer profitability, with 40 percent of Ohio corn dedicated to ethanol production.[4] The association supports E15 fuel blends for their economic benefits to rural areas and lower emissions compared to regular gasoline.[5] It participates in coalitions addressing farmer mental health, contributing to alliances that offer 24/7 resources to combat suicide risks.[3] The organization endorses environmental measures, such as restrictions on fertilizer application to protect water quality in Lake Erie.[2] It opposes mergers in the agricultural sector that could reduce competition and raise input costs for farmers.[6] The association addresses trade policy impacts, noting that tariffs affect corn prices despite domestic uses like ethanol and feed.[8] It monitors proposals affecting corn products, such as potential bans on high-fructose corn syrup.[9] The organization comments on market conditions, including how weather events influence corn harvest expectations and bidding from ethanol and feed sectors.[7]

Leadership

Tadd Nicholson serves as executive director of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, advocating for ethanol's role in farmer sustainability.[4] Kelly Harsh, a board member, promotes higher ethanol blends for economic and environmental reasons.[5] John Davis, a past president, has voiced opposition to industry mergers affecting competition.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c Richmond, Todd (2019-07-19). "Fuel makers launch ad criticizing Trump ethanol mandates". AP News. The Associated Press. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  2. ^ a b c Palmer, Kim (2015-02-10). "Ohio Senate passes bill to protect Lake Erie after algae scare". Reuters. Reuters. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  3. ^ a b c Tuggle, Zach (2024-04-01). "Ohio farmers can now access mental-health resources 24/7". USA Today. Gannett. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  4. ^ a b c d Cooley, Patrick (2022-12-16). "Ohio corn and soybean farmers increasingly depend on biofuels". The Columbus Dispatch. Gannett. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  5. ^ a b c d e Cooley, Patrick (2022-10-24). "Unleaded 88 fuel: What drivers need to know". The Columbus Dispatch. Gannett. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  6. ^ a b c Gillam, Carey (2015-08-04). "U.S. farm, consumer groups aim to block Monsanto bid for Syngenta". Reuters. Reuters. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  7. ^ a b Parker, Mario (2019-06-23). "Farm Deluge Starts to Seep Into America's Fragile Rural Economy". Bloomberg. Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  8. ^ a b BeMiller, Haley (2025-04-22). "Ohio farmers fear worst if Trump tariffs drag on". USA Today. Gannett. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  9. ^ a b "RFK Jr calls for corn syrup ban under Trump". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. 2025-01-18. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  10. ^ "Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association – Company Profile and News". Bloomberg Markets. Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
  11. ^ "Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association PAC". Bloomberg. Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 2025-09-02.
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